Pick moments that stand alone
A good clip makes sense without the rest of the episode. Look for:
- A strong opinion or a surprising fact
- A clear question and a complete answer
- A short story with an ending
- A funny exchange
- A practical tip the listener can use today
Start the clip on the most interesting sentence, not at the start of the conversation about it.
How long should clips be?
Vertical clips for Shorts, Reels and TikTok usually work best between 20 and 60 seconds. Horizontal clips for YouTube can run 3 to 15 minutes, for viewers who want a full segment without the whole episode.
Frame two people vertically
A wide podcast shot doesn't fit a phone. Either follow whoever is talking, or stack the two speakers in a split screen, one on top of the other. Both keep faces large, which is what holds attention on a small screen.
Captions and a title on top
Burned-in captions are essential, since most people watch clips muted. A short title at the top for the first seconds (“Why most diets fail”) tells the viewer what the clip is about before they decide to swipe.
Post on a schedule
One episode can feed a clip a day for a week or two. Post at a steady rhythm, and link the full episode in the description or comments.
Frequently asked questions
How many clips can I get from one episode?
Usually between 5 and 15 good ones from an hour, depending on how much the conversation moves.
Should clips be vertical or horizontal?
Both if you can: vertical for Shorts, Reels and TikTok, horizontal for YouTube clips of a few minutes.
Can I clip other people's podcasts?
Only with permission or under the show's clipping program. Using someone else's content without rights can get your channel removed.